Chris Hunichen’s Controversial COVID-19 Morbidity Bet Causes Huge Outcry and Makes Mainstream News

Chris “Big Huni” Hunichen has caused a huge outcry with an obscene prop bet. The high stakes tournament player has been asking for action on the total COVID-19 death count in the USA.

Chris Hunichen

Shameful of Chris Hunichen

Poker players are known for the occasional prop bet that shocks the community but many are saying this time it’s too much.

We recently reported on Mike “Timex” McDonald’s recent wager on how many basketball shots he can make. This is much more like what we are used to seeing. Not a macabre bet on how many people lose their life in this pandemic.

Chris Hunichen is one of the most well-known live tournament players in the world and has over $8 million worth of cashes on his record. Now though, it looks as if he’s going to be losing a lot of fans.

He brazenly asked for takers on a bet that more than 100,000 patients would die by September 1st 2020. Within minutes there were other well-known names from the poker world asking that he remove his tweet as it was disrespectful.

“…that is the most disgusting bet I have ever seen in my life.” 

Backlash

35-year-old Hunichen was completely taken aback to the responses seen on his Twitter feed. He says he meant no malice nor had intent to cause offence.

He says his only intention was to raise awareness that too many people are dying out of the ignorance of others.

“u guys seriously dont get it? I am not rooting for deaths and have already said I hope I lose. But unfortunately too many fucking idiots refuse to take this serious and refuse to stay home or practice social distancing. So it is what it is,”

Chris Hunichen

Mainstream Media Involved

This story has not only offended much of the poker community, the mainstream media have also taken up the story.

The LA Times were made aware of the thread and contacted Hunichen to hear his thoughts on what had been said.

Speaking in a telephone interview Hunichen said,

“Every day, I would see some kind of article where some 30-year-old or 35-year-old dies from this stuff. Honestly, I’m terrified. If I get it, I feel like that’s going to be me.”

Maybe we shouldn’t be too tough on the man, even if what he has said is out of order. He is now holed up with his family including two young daughters aged seven and three.

He is also clearly concerned about the situation as his health is not perfect already being an asthmatic. This puts him amongst the most vulnerable section of the population.

As a kind of understanding that he now realises he’s done something wrong, Hunichen came up with a second bet for the same terms. This time the loser would pay $10,000 towards feeding the homeless in a city of their choice.

Don’t forget to check out all the latest poker news while we wait to hear what happens to this year’s World Series of Poker.

Earn up to 60% partypoker rakeback when signing up through us!

When signing up through VIP-Grinders.com on partypoker, you can now earn up to 60% cashback on partypoker plus take part in the following exclusive VIP-Grinders Promotions with massive extra value:

T&Cs | 18+ Only
Upon making your first deposit of £/€/$20, you will receive $30 in SPINS tickets, up to 60% rakeback, our Exclusive Party & Bwin Chase along with other exclusive promotions and races.
New customer offer
$30 Tickets
60% VIP | Chase

Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, please visit www.begambleaware.org

Professional Poker Journalist
Mark Patrickson is a poker journalist with over ten years of experience. He writes for VIP-Grinders.com, sharing his deep knowledge of poker. He creates interesting content about poker strategy, trends, and news for poker fans worldwide.
Filed Under: Poker Gossip Poker News

Categories

GGPoker Welcome Bonus
Brands
Date (UTC-0)
Prizes
 
8th Dec 20:00
$250
15th Dec 18:30
$250
22nd Dec 18:30
$250
29th Dec 18:30
$250
5th Jan 18:30
$250
12th Jan 20:00
$250
19th Jan 18:30
$250
26th Jan 18:30
$250
31st Jan 18:30
$250
ewallet-general-banner-new-version-2021